HEALING OUR VETERANS BY PROTECTING OUR PUBLIC LANDS

In the coming days, Americans will celebrate Independence Day and be reminded of what our soldiers fight to protect, and what we endeavor to pass along to the next generation. For those of us who have personally fought and sacrificed to protect this great land, and for those who have loved ones who have served in the military, the Fourth of July is an especially patriotic time.

As a veteran and mental health care provider working with returning service members, I know first-hand the reality facing those returning from war. I work to help returning veterans find ways to cope with re-integrating into civilian life. I recently worked with a group of veterans through the Vet Voice Foundation from California, New Mexico, Colorado and Montana who spoke with legislators about something we have become more and more vocal about: the value of public lands.

For service members who have grown accustomed to being ‘in the field,’ there is a deep healing influence that spending time in a beautiful, tranquil and soothing natural setting can have. And, for a returning vet who is wrestling with the hyper-vigilance that is necessary for survival in a war-zone — but can be maladaptive at home — this is no small thing. Organizations like Project Healing Waters and Fly Fishing for Vets have put together trips for veterans so they can find peace in the outdoors, and I’ve seen how they can have a tremendous healing effect.

Our public lands are critical to veterans, and veterans are becoming key advocates for conserving more public lands.

Over the last four years, the White House has leased two-and-a-half times more acres of public lands for oil and gas development than it has protected for the public. Legislation under consideration in Congress would sell off public lands and roll back protections.

Like so many veterans, I count on the ability to access public lands for fishing, hiking and photography with friends and family.

In Southern California, we need to protect our spectacular desert heritage and our beloved national parks and preserves such as Death Valley, Mojave and Joshua Tree, which I have personally seen provide solace to returning veterans.

I encourage everyone to call on our elected officials to support preservation of our clean air, clean water and public lands on equal ground with oil and gas development for the benefit of all California residents, especially those who have fought to protect them and now desperately need outlets for healing. I know that doing so will provide invaluable solace for all those brave men and women returning from war.

Roney is a behavioral health provider at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton. He retired from the U.S. Army after 22 years of service as a Chaplain. He is a member of the Vet Voice Foundation (www.vetvoicefoundation.org